Sharing secrets of the CWA

IF you have ever wanted to know how to make the perfect sponge, jam or preserve, head to Sovereign Hill’s Heritage Harvest Weekend.

Taking place next weekend, women from more than 14 CWA chapters will be sharing their secrets throughout the event.

Members have pickled or preserved more than 400 jars of produce ahead of the festival with some travelling from as far as Tallangatta for the two days.

“What we are going to do is share some tips and tricks,” said event coordinator Roxane Harris.

“We’re going to share some of the things to look out for when you’re doing those sorts of baking or ideas when making preserves.

“We also want to reinforce cooking from scratch.”

Members of the CWA will be hosting live demonstrations on topics such as crocheting, making a good sponge cake and getting the best value from leftovers.

“We’re doing lots of demonstrations of lacemaking, spinning wool, felting, knitting, crochet and then there’s going to be some question-and-answer sessions,” said CWA Victoria president Jennifer Nola.

“If you’ve got any questions about how to make the best sponge or the best scone, do come along and we’ll be able to answer those questions for you.”

Ms Nola said the Heritage Harvest Weekend aligns well with the values of the CWA.

“We were approached by Sovereign Hill which we were absolutely delighted with,”

she said.

“In one way, I always think that we are the keeper of heritage crafts because we have people who know how to do the old-fashioned crafts.

“They are very old-world crafts which fit in well with Sovereign Hill.”

The festival will also feature special guests Julie Goodwin and Darren Purchese, and a range of experience, activities and demonstrations to celebrate the autumn harvest.

Sovereign Hill’s Heritage Harvest Weekend will be on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May. Tickets at the Sovereign Hill website.